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2300 S. St. Paul St., Denver, CO 80210
720-424-3410
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Principal
This week, DPS Central Office shared a message in regard to state standardized testing. Please see the below message.
Recently, we received a first look at how our students are performing on higher academic standards with the release of
statewide CMAS/PARCC test results. While district, school and student results won't be released until next month, it's important to understand what these results do -- and don't -- tell us about our kids, our schools and us as educators.
What do these new state tests measure that's different than the old tests?
First, these new tests will provide our students and families a much clearer and more accurate picture about how students are performing on higher academic standards. It is important that our parents and students know where they stand every year in terms of their academic progress and their academic strengths and weaknesses.
The new tests measure achievement on the Colorado Academic Standards, which are more rigorous and intensely focused on the knowledge and skills our kids need for success in an increasingly knowledge-based, global economy. This includes skills such as analytical thinking and the ability to solve complex problems.
State reports show 1 in 3 Colorado high school graduates who now go to college are not prepared for college-level work. In fact, they have to take extra classes to be ready for college courses. The new tests highlight the importance of the work we need to do to prepare our kids to succeed in college and the workplace.
What do the results tell about how well our kids are learning?
Results of these new tests in English language arts and math cannot be compared to the results of previous state exams. These are new tests measuring higher expectations for our kids and, as expected, it will take some time for us as educators, our students and our schools to adjust. What the results do provide is an important baseline on which we can build and move forward. When Colorado teachers participated in creating these standards and tests, they did so because they know how important it is to challenge our kids to master the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will need in higher education and the workplace. We have full faith our kids will rise to the challenge of these higher standards.
How can I support my students and their families with these changes?
Results for districts, schools and students are expected to be made public Dec. 11, and the district will begin mailing individual student reports to homes after that. Because these new tests have different proficiency levels -- "Meets or Exceeds Expectations" versus the old "Proficient and Advanced," for example -- it may be helpful to review the sample student reports and other parent
resources available in English and Spanish on the
state Department of Education website
, in case you get any questions. Remember these new results don't mean our students are learning less; instead, we've given them a higher bar to meet and, together, we will help them get there.
And finally, please remember that, while these tests are very useful to help ensure that all students have the opportunity and resources needed to prepare them for post-secondary success, the scores will not affect students' grades or be part of transcripts they submit for college admission.
Team UPark
720.424.3410
*Don't forget to download the UPark App here!
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PTA
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Dessert Night at Dairy Queen!
Thursday, November 19
Eat at Dairy Queen (2083 S. Colorado Blvd.) on
Thursday, November 19th from 5:00-8:00 PM and they'll give 15% back to UPark. Click
here to see the flyer for details. Make sure to mention UPark at checkout!
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Student Council & Kaleidoscope Clothing Drive
The University Park Student Council and Kaleidoscope are sponsoring a winter clothing drive. The drive will be from Monday, December 7 through Friday, December 11. We want to provide warm winter clothing to those in need. Students and families can drop new and gently used winter clothing items in the boxes located on each floor of the school building. We are accepting children's, men's, and women's clothing in all sizes.
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NO KIDSTAGE TOMORROW, November 20th.
Attention Write Brain Works Parents: Due to a scheduling conflict, Write Brain Works will start on Monday 12/7, instead of 11/30.
Reminder: all enrichment payments and Information cards are due by tomorrow, 11/20 at 5PM. Your child will not be able to attend after school enrichment classes until payment and information card is received. For help making a payment please contact Jesse at 720-424-3417.
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University Park Elementary Calendar
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5 Star Wizard Hat Students:
Congratulations to last week's 5 Star Wizard Hat students! They were recognized by their teachers for positive behavior.
Last week's students include: Christopher Trujillo, Mia Ruedas-Marsh, Jayme Cairns, Dallin Simpson, Natalie Rusin, BemAndwele Ray, Emerson Dezeeuw Spencer, Jacob Chase-Cho, Ryder Ward, Estrella Matute-Villatoro, Ali Aljurbua, Finn Hauhuth, Laylah Martinez, Spencer Posey, Magnus Houston, Max Henze, Addison Blackwood, Julia Elsner, Henry Ford, Wyatt Houston, Emerson Cord, Jackson Allee, Nancy Dong, Teddy Rogala, Jackson Trinen, Violet Penzenstadler, Claire Robinson, Rodion Khristoforov, Grace McFarland, Kira Smith, Serrianna Safieh, Sterling Smith, Sidney Davis, Daniella Starks, Sidney O'Connor, Chaitra Kadupukotta, Jude White.
Wizard Hats are given throughout UPark to celebrate students' good choices and positive behavior. We use a common vocabulary and teach Critical Thinking skills using the BrainWise curriculum.
Each week there is a random drawing of 2 students done by classroom teachers. These children are photographed and receive a token of our appreciation.
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*At the end of each month we will be donating all clothing in the lost and found and anything left in the halls(all clothing will go into our little red school house in our parking lot).
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